Oregon climbs in latest BCS standings

Nov. 4, 2012
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Oregon running back Kenjon Barner (24) provided a spark in the form of 321 rushing yards and five touchdowns that helped the Ducks move up one spot in the latest BCS standings. / Kirby Lee, US Presswire

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY

After two epic victories showcasing radically different styles, we're inching closer to an Alabama-Oregon matchup in the BCS Championship game.

Alabama, which escaped with a 21-17 win at LSU with a touchdown in the final seconds, remains a solid No. 1 in the latest Bowl Championship Series standings. But after being passed by Kansas State and Notre Dame in the last two weeks despite impressive victories, Oregon finally climbed back up a notch, to No. 3, after a 62-51 victory at USC.

"In terms of the eye test, anyone that's watched Oregon play is impressed," Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Saturday evening at the Los Angeles Coliseum, where he watched the Ducks pass a significant road test.

For a change, the computers seemed to be, as well. After a 44-30 win over Oklahoma State, Kansas State remains wedged between the top-ranked Crimson Tide and the No. 3 Ducks in the latest BCS standings, at No. 2. But Oregon, which moved ahead of Notre Dame, reversing last week's flip, appears to be on an upward path.

Still, after all four unbeatens won again â?? the Irish escaped Pitt's upset bid in triple overtime â?? the clear leader with a month until the final standings are released is controversy.

Oregon has been ranked No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll for seven weeks and also is ranked No. 2 in the Harris Poll. Together, the polls make up two-thirds of the BCS formula. The Ducks have been hurt in the BCS' computer rankings, which make up the other one-third. But analysts have predicted a backloaded schedule would lift Oregon.

Alabama, which was seconds away from a loss that would have all but eliminated it â?? and perhaps the SEC â?? from the BCS race, instead remains an unchallenged No. 1 in both polls and in the BCS. After the trio of unbeaten Kansas State, Oregon and Notre Dame, SEC teams Georgia and Florida lurk as one-loss teams hoping for help from above.

If all of the top four remain unbeaten, Oregon appears to have the edge to play Alabama â?? but controversy would be the clear winner.